False Friends Detector
Identify confusing word pairs across languages and avoid common translation mistakes with our comprehensive false friends database.
Search our database of 20 false friends across multiple languages
Context is Key
Always learn false friends in context with example sentences
Cultural Awareness
Understand cultural contexts that influence word meanings
Memory Techniques
Use mnemonics and visual associations to remember correct meanings
Master Language Learning with False Friends Detection
False friends, also known as "false cognates," are words that appear similar across languages but have different meanings. Our False Friends Detector helps language learners identify these tricky word pairs and avoid embarrassing translation mistakes.
🎯 Key Features
- • Multi-language false friends database
- • Context-aware meaning explanations
- • Cultural usage notes
- • Memory aids and mnemonics
- • Progressive difficulty levels
📚 Language Pairs
- • English ↔ Spanish
- • English ↔ French
- • English ↔ German
- • English ↔ Italian
- • And many more combinations
Common False Friends Examples
Spanish-English False Friends:
Correct: Pregnant
Correct: Success
Professional Language Learning Strategies
Contextual Learning Method
Always learn false friends in context rather than isolation. Create example sentences that highlight the correct usage and meaning differences between languages.
Etymology Awareness
Understanding the historical development of words helps explain why false friends exist. Many stem from common Latin or Germanic roots but evolved differently.
Spaced Repetition System
Use spaced repetition to reinforce correct meanings. Review false friends at increasing intervals to build long-term retention and automatic correct usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are false friends in language learning?
False friends are words that look or sound similar between languages but have different meanings. They're called "false" because they can mislead learners into incorrect translations or usage.
How can I avoid false friend mistakes?
Regular practice with our detector, contextual learning, and awareness of common patterns help. Always verify meanings in context rather than relying on surface similarity.
Which language pairs have the most false friends?
Languages from the same family (like Romance languages) often have more false friends due to shared etymology. English-Spanish, English-French, and English-German pairs are particularly rich in false friends.